Annual inspection

Once a year my airplane, a 1975 Cessna 172, goes through an extensive ‘annual inspection’ where all critical systems are inspected, serviced, and signed off as airworthy. The inspections for this little plane can range from $1500 to $7500 depending on what items need fixing.

This requirement applies to all certified aircraft in Canada, and is one of the reasons why aircraft generally don’t ‘age’. There are hundreds of aircraft from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, still flying today, often in similar condition to the day they left the factory floor; 

The ongoing dedication to maintenance is the key to their longevity.

Each time I observe a person limping past, shuffling rather than skipping, and looking older than their years, I imagine how different they could look if scheduled maintenance was required. 

A daily routine inspection of weighing in, journaling, and meditation, coupled with the maintenance requirements of sleep, diet and exercise. Simple, yet rarely followed.

Healthy bodies are rarely injured, appear years younger, and can function perfectly for decades. Loads of my Jiu-Jitsu buddies in their 50s, and 60s are living proof of this.

Attend to items that need care, make your ‘annual inspection’ a ‘daily practice’, and ensure your ‘craft’ will be operational for a century.

• Now that’s a peak ethos.